Madrid Derby Ends in Controversy, 1-1 Draw

Eder Militao’s second-half goal looked to have settled a tight encounter at the Estadio Metropolitano as Los Rojiblancos’ unbeaten start to the league season was ended in controversy. Madrid Derby Ends in Controversy, 1-1 Draw.

However, the final result was almost a side note, as events off the pitch dominated the headlines.

The Madrid derby has lived up to expectations as both teams from the capital battle it out in an effort to draw closer to league leaders FC Barcelona. With Real Madrid leading 1-0 against local rivals Atletico Madrid in the second half of their La Liga match at the Civitas Metropolitano, the teams have been going at it for almost 80 minutes. Sadly, the play has been paused because of unacceptable behaviour from the home fans.

Following a period of Atleti fans repeatedly throwing objects at Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois, officials have decided to bring the night’s proceedings to a temporary stop. There is, of course, context here in that the Belgian keeper spent three seasons playing for Atletico after securing a loan move from Chelsea FC. That said, targeting their former shot-stopper can do nothing to cancel out Eder Militao’s 64th-minute strike from close range.

In fairness, Los Blancos have been the dominant side in the match so far, with both Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde seeing their attempts denied by Atletico’s current keeper, Jan Oblak. That said, Courtois has had his own share of work to do, making an impressive save in the first half as well as keeping the scoreline level. Interestingly, there’s been nothing of note from Real Madrid’s talisman-elect, Vinicius Jr.

The game was suspended just after Militao’s breakthrough goal amid trouble in the stands focused on the Atletico Madrid ultras.

Hundreds of home fans were incensed by what they saw as taunting former player Thibaut Courtois with lighters and other objects thrown at the Belgian international.

Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid captain Koke pleaded with masked fans to stop amid the unprecedented step of suspending the game.

However, as the visitors dug in, the home side kept themselves alive and substitute Angel Correa bundled home an equaliser in the fifth minute of added time.

Marcos Llorente was sent off as the game ticked beyond the 100-minute marker, with the inquest set to begin.